Scotland loose forward Dave Denton has announced his retirement from all rugby.

The 29-year-old decided to retire after receiving specialist advice from a neurologist with regard to past head injuries.

The versatile loose forward has been playing for the Leicester Tigers since 2018, following stints at Edinburgh, Bath and the Worcester Warriors. He also earned 42 Test caps for Scotland, debuting against Ireland in 2011.

Denton, who was born in Marondera in Zimbabwe and schooled at Kingswood College in South Africa, says he was actually relieved when told to retire on medical grounds.

‘My actual reaction at the time my neurologist told me it was no longer a good idea to play rugby, to be honest, was a bit of relief,’ Denton said. 

‘This had been building up inside of me for four to five months. I knew there was a strong possibility that this moment [when I had to retire] was coming. By the time I got to it, I had been through all the emotional highs and lows, so I was prepared for it.

‘Of course, it is devastating that my rugby career is ending. After a few years where I had a series of injuries, I had got myself back into a position where I felt, physically and mentally, that I could play the best rugby of my career.

‘I want to get into the corporate world. Coaching, as a career, was never something that appealed to me. I’m really excited for the next steps in my life. The big thing for me going forward is that I do not want to look back in sadness,’ he added.

Photo: www.scottishrugby.org